Sex is not the enemy

This post brought to you by a random bout of nostagia for House MD, and the awesome that is hp_friendship. Seriously, go check it out. I haven't even finished reccing all the stories that I loved over there.

AvengersThe Uses of Sorrow (4692 words) by samalander - Tony, Bruce, ThorThor offers to heal Tony, but he doesn't make the same offer to Bruce. Bruce wants to know why. A very thoughtful exploration of physical disability and mental illness through the lens of two superheroes.

Harry PotterDisorganized Crime by Anon at hp_friendship - Harry, NevilleHarry and Neville wind up in a Muggle jail after a chase for an escaped Death Eater goes wrong. Neville's confusion about Muggle society is adorable, and the friendship between Harry and Neville is wonderful. I lost track of the number of times I laughed out loud.

Cocktail Time by Anon at hp_friendship - Rita Skeeter, Gilderoy LockhartOnce upon a time, Rita and Gilderoy were roommates, and Rita wants to tell their story. These are two of the least likeable characters in HP fandom, yet Rita's clever narrative voice makes me ache for them in ways I didn't expect to. Their intense, transient friendship at a time when both of them are just starting out in their lives felt so true, even though it's obviously a fantasy universe.

Mad Dogs and Scotsmen by Anon at hp_friendship - Alastor Moody, Emmeline VanceI've always been curious about Emmeline Vance, the woman so talented that Voldemort came for her himself. This story fleshes her out beautifully. I love how tough and strong she is, and how she can be a little soft when Moody needs it. The story is set right after Moody is released from Crouch's trunk, and the friendship created here is complex and fascinating.

The Sceptic's Guide to Spotting Impossible Beasts by Anon at hp_friendship - Hermione, LunaAfter the war, Hermione and Luna go hunting for crumple-horned Snorkacks. I love the way these two young women learn from each other and annoy each other in equal measures. By the end, you can really see how they fit together, even if they're mismatched at first.

SherlockA Symphony of Chemical Reactions (2348 words) by what_alchemy - Sherlock/JohnOh, look, it's my favorite trope: Sherlock being a virtuoso in the kitchen! I really can't get enough of Sherlock cooking, and this fic is even more wonderful because the unique take on Sherlock's narrative voice.